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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the starting position as England's number ten against the All Blacks this weekend.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus an aggressive Fiji side was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed a perfect blend of skill and control, while executing some strong decisions when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His ability to calm the team strategically and make important decisions is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one playmaker and he should start against the All Blacks this weekend.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven his capability in big Test matches.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice was to provide consistency and reward his performance during the visit of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin given how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening while offering a far tougher test.

Long-term Potential

The young playmaker remains just 23 - looking ahead 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as a possibility when appropriate and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to show his unique attributes.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat Scotland, and that shows the significance of having players capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the difference separating victory a World Cup or not.

McKenzie observes the match unfold from the bench and thinks about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early professional days.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus as that kind influential performer, including him among substitutes could be valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position that needs transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack threat.

Currently, I don't think Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I struggle to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands frequently, but I believe that should be among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make right choices under pressure - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I recall when he got possession during one phase just inside his own half and it looked like it could be should they swung it wide.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed reversing the opposition as we are leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing titles and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he mustn't always need to be the first option.

I hope to witness him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen the veteran accomplish, particularly during club level repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up in difficult situations, previously one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite done so in the very highest-pressure matches.

I believe we have playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of additional qualities, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

One might make a strong case favoring Ford beginning with Smith entering from substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, it will give the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

This time, whichever fly-half selected will pressure New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take all the stress away from England.